New Garden Air Show

New Garden Airshow

Toughkenamon, PA

June 10-12 2011

Abbott, Costello and “woa! Look at that plane!”

  We arrived in Toughkenamon, PA after a grueling five and a half hours in traffic.  Finally, we meet up with our favorite Abbott and Costello troupe for some serious barbecue at Texas Roadhouse.  I may or may not have danced with the waitstaff.  Afterwards, we checked into the hotel.  Yay, adjoining rooms!  We turned it into a little apartment.  Sarah got the pull out and we piled one mattress on top of the other to make it a bit cushier but the poor thing couldn’t sleep because she was afraid it was going to close on her like a murphy bed.  

    All morning we alternated with Abbott and Costello doing thirty minute sets each and then sang the National Anthem to kick off the flight demo.  Matt Chapman started off the displays with a “teaser” for his later show.  Just the “teaser” was more than I have ever seen.  Way more.  Even his takeoff is insane.  Please see video on our Facebook page.  His plane, the Embry Riddle looks like a mere dot but you get the idea.  The second day, he came into the performer hangar for a sandwich.

Me, “Are you Matt Chapman?”

“Yes.”

“Can I shake your hand?”

To which he replied, “Are you a Manhattan Doll?”

I nod.  “Can I shake your hand?”  I giggle like an idiot.  Honest to God Star Struck.  I’ve met John Lithgow.  Not as exciting.  And I love John Lithgow.

   The B2 stealth bomber also made an appearance…once he found the airport.  Apparently he got a bit lost. 

  We performed at the hangar party for all the workers and volunteers next to one of the airplanes.  About halfway through the show, a dog decided to join us.  No idea where he came from.  Just appeared behind me, crossed downstage left and exited.  Stealing my spotlight, dog. 

  Another celebrity meeting was Jane Wicker.  She walks on wings.  We added her pin to our ball caps.  We had the opportunity to go aboard the C-54 Spirit of Freedom transport aircraft where we got a tour of the cockpit and explored the museum in the body of the plane.  There was an old fashioned radio and all of a sudden it started playing the Andrews Sisters version of Well Alright which we promptly sang along to in three part harmony. 

  That was pretty much the last stop before heading home to watch the Tonys.   Hey, give me a break for mentioning it.  It’s our Superbowl.  The next time you hear from me it will be from England!!! 

Until we sing again, 

Annemarie Rosano

Manhattan Doll